Teen arrested after car break-ins

A Belmont teen is behind bars after police say he stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from the cars of Gaston County residents.

Spencer Ryan Helms, 18, faces 10 felony charges for a slew of break-ins that occurred multiple times this month. Officers from the Gaston County and Cramerton police departments say he frequently broke into cars and took the valuable items inside.

On Sept. 19, Helms allegedly broke into a Ford truck to get a laptop sitting inside, another truck to steal a weed eater and a Corolla to swipe a $100 stereo faceplate. Other accusations charge the Cassamia Place resident with taking an iPhone 6, a chainsaw, two gas cans and another saw.

Police also charged Helms with stealing a gun. His status as a felon stemming from Sept. 6 drug convictions makes it illegal for him to own or possess a firearm.

Helms is charged with five felony counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, eight various larceny offenses, attempted breaking and entering into a building and possessing a firearm as a felon.